Rakaya Angela Simmons-Landy is a young 25 year old Bermudian who was recently called to the Bar. She spoke with TNN’s Trevor Lindsay shortly after the ceremony and explained just how much of an honour and privilege it is.
**TNN**: You’ve been called to the bar. Congratulations, first of all.
**Rakaya**: Thank you so much.
**TNN**: Tell me, how long has this journey been?
**Rakaya**: Very long. I actually knew I wanted to be a lawyer in middle school, or probably before that. And every day since I figured out I wanted to be a lawyer, I made sure that I’d done everything I needed to do to be standing here with you having this interview today. So it’s been a while, but we’re here now.
**TNN**: Tell us about your journey and where you come from.
**Rakaya**: I’m a twin; I have a twin sister. I started at West Pembroke, then went to Sandy Secondary Middle School, and finished at Cedar Bridge Academy. I’m from Devonshire, where I was taken from the hospital and raised by my single mother, Angela Simmons.
**TNN**: We heard during the ceremony that you’re the third student from Cedar Bridge to be called to the bar. How does that make you feel?
**Rakaya**: Our motto says it all: “We are students of excellence.” So, the only thing you can expect from Cedar Bridge Academy students is excellence. This is displayed not just by those who were called to the bar before me and myself, but by all those who are excelling in their chosen professions, whether in international business, entrepreneurship, or other fields.
**TNN**: You gave accolades to your grandfather, Kenneth Eugene Frogie “Sonny Bumps” Simmons, whom I know well. He said something to you when you were very young. Tell me about it.
**Rakaya**: My grandpa told me that since I had the same mouth as his daughter, my mother, I had to become a lawyer. He insisted I keep my last name so he could show his friends in the News paper that I am the first in his immediate family to reach these heights. He was extremely proud. During moments when I wanted to give up, I remembered his words, and that encouragement helped me keep going.
**TNN**: It was highlighted that you did most of your work during COVID when everyone was locked down, and you couldn’t go to university. How difficult was it?
**Rakaya**: It was extremely difficult. Like many of us, I had to learn how to adapt and make things work in our favor when faced with unexpected challenges. This experience has prepared me for my legal career, where I will often encounter the unforeseen and need to maintain poise. Despite the difficulties, the pandemic ultimately gave me strength and confidence.
**TNN**: What aspect of law will you be practicing?
**Rakaya**: The intention right now is for me to work alongside Ms. Sarah Ann Tucker. She specializes in criminal law, personal injury, family law, and a bit of commercial litigation.
**TNN**: At Trott and Duncan?
**Rakaya**: Yes, at Trott and Duncan.
**TNN**: Lastly, what advice would you give to a young person?
**Rakaya**: I would say just stick to it. Young people face a lot and often feel unheard. It can get lonely when you’re on a unique path. Stick to it, know who you are, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you have a dream, do everything to reach it, even if it means cutting off some friends or telling family members “not today.” Stay true to your path, and have faith. Be people of poise and integrity, honor yourselves first, and you will be successful.
**TNN*: Congratulations.
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